David Cameron and Nick Clegg wrote to the cabinet this morning to remind them the government’s top priority remains “deficit reduction and continuing to ensure economic recovery”. It might seem strange that they would have to say this, having only recently announced cuts of up to 40% for some departments, and with the comprehensive spending review not yet completed.

But the letter betrays the beginnings of a split within the coalition between those who want to stay focused on axing public spending and those who want ministers to start talking about where growth is going to come from. Read more